A fear of reptiles can affect everyday situations involving scaly animal, reptile skin, lizards and gecko. It may lead to scanning surroundings, avoiding places where the animal might appear, asking other people to check or deal with it, or leaving suddenly when one is seen.

Possible triggers

Entering a reptile exhibit, seeing a lizard nearby or watching reptile footage.

Name origin

From Greek herpeton (creeping animal) and -phobia.

The concern is taking on responsibility, rather than only worrying about neglecting a duty.

Possible triggers

Being put in charge of a task, accepting responsibility for someone or making a decision others will depend on.

Name origin

From Greek hypengyos (responsible) and phobos (fear).

Also known as

Hypegiaphobia

A fear of returning home can affect everyday situations involving going back home, childhood home, moving back and returning home. It may lead to avoiding change, delaying plans, seeking reassurance, or keeping life unusually restricted so that the feared situation is less likely to arise.

Possible triggers

Beginning a journey home, approaching the front door or anticipating returning after time away.

Name origin

From Greek nostos (return home) and -phobia.

A fear of ridicule can affect everyday situations involving public humiliation, being made fun of, being mocked and ridicule. It may lead to putting things off, over-preparing, repeatedly checking, seeking reassurance, or turning down opportunities that feel too exposing.

Possible triggers

Speaking where others might mock you, recalling a humiliating remark or anticipating being made fun of.

Name origin

From Greek katagelaō (to ridicule) and -phobia.

Also known as

Catagelophobia

A fear of rivers can affect everyday situations involving crossing a river, flowing water, river current and river bank.

Possible triggers

Walking beside a river, approaching a riverbank or planning an activity near flowing river water.

Name origin

From Greek potamos (river) and -phobia.

The concern can involve robots themselves or their effects on society. The term is also used for a strong dislike of robots.

Possible triggers

Encountering a robot demonstration, seeing a robot move nearby or being asked to interact with one.

Name origin

Combines robot with -phobia (fear). Robot comes from Czech robota, meaning forced labour.

The prospect of ruin is the focus of this fear.

Possible triggers

Discussing a major loss, facing uncertainty about your livelihood or imagining your circumstances collapsing.

Name origin

Combines ate-, referring to ruin or a ruinous impulse, with -phobia (fear).